The Bulgars in the 5th century, and the Slavs who started
their incursions into the Balkans in the 6th century, had changed the ethnic
structure of the Balkan peninsula by the end of the 7th century. Croatia, Serbia, Dalmatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, and parts of Macedonia lost their Illyrian language
and were Slavicized. The Albanians remained the only direct descendants of the
ancient Illyrians. The name from which "Albania" later evolved is first
mentioned in the 2nd century AD by the geographer Ptolemy of Alexandria, who
refers to the "Albanoi" tribe which inhabited what is now central Albania. The name spread to include the rest of the country as "Arbri" and,
finally, "Albania". The origin of "Shqipria", the Albanian
name for the territory which was used by the 16th and 17th centuries, is
unknown but probably derives from "shqipe" (eagle) which became the
country's national symbol.

Part of the Roman Empire from earliest times, Albania remained under Byzantine rule until the fall of the empire in 1204, although the
Albanian population settled in remote mountain regions where Byzantine
jurisdiction was nominal. During the 10th and 11th centuries, Durrës (Durazzo)
and its castle of Kanina were attacked by the Bulgarians (989-1005), the Normans (1082-1083 and 1185), and Venice (1205). There was no centrally organised state
in the territory, which was controlled by tribes whose chieftains ruled
different mountainous areas. The area north of the Drin River was oriented
towards Serbia and Zeta, while that to the south centred around Dürres was
subject to Greek influence[1].

The first Albanian feudal state was declared at Krujë
(Kroja) by the Archon Progon around 1190, and lasted until the mid-13th century
when the country relapsed into disunity. The leading families of the Albanian feudal
nobility were the Thopia, Balša, Shpata, Muzaka, Araniti, Dukagjini and
Kastrioti, the first three of which became rulers of principalities which were
practically independent of Byzantium.

Under the terms of the treaty under which the Venetians and
the Crusaders agreed to partition the Byzantine empire before the fall of
Constantinople in 1204, Albania fell to Venice. However, the Venetian republic
only established direct rule in Dürres. Mikhael Angelos, illegitimate son of
one of the last Byzantine governors of Epirus and relative of Emperor Isaakios
II, became ruler of Epirus and established a powerful new force in the western
part of the former Byzantine territories which came to equal in strength the
newly established Greek empire at Nikaia. Mikhael recognised the suzerainty of
Venice in 1210, but captured Dürres in 1213 in breach of his treaty
obligations. His successor, and legitimate half-brother, Theodoros Komnenos Doukas Angelos, concentrated his attention mainly on Thessaloniki, where he
declared himself emperor in 1225.

The Bulgarians defeated Emperor Theodoros at Klokotniça in
1230, after which his empire was dismembered. His nephew, Mikhael [II] Komnenos Doukas Angelos, whom Theodoros had exiled in 1214, succeeded in Epirus under Bulgarian suzerainty. Mikhael reasserted his autonomy in 1240, although prolonged
disputes with the emperors at Nikaia enabled local Albanian lords to enjoy
another period of relative freedom from their foreign conquerors. The Albanian
territories of Valona, Durrës, and Berat formed part of the dowry of Helena Doukaina Angelina, daughter of Despot Mikhael [II], when she married Manfred King of Sicily in 1259. After her husband was killed in battle by the Angevins at Benevento in
1266, Helena was imprisoned in Naples by the new Angevin king. Dürres submitted
to Charles I King of Sicily [Anjou-Capet] in 1272, but during the following
decades the sovereignty over Albania switched between the Angevins, the
Byzantines, and the Serbs. Philippe Prince of Tarento [Anjou-Capet] assumed
the titles Despot of Romania, Lord of Albania and of Vlakia in 1309, but Stefan Uroš II King of Serbia adopted the rival title of king of Albania.

After the Serbian empire collapsed following the death of Stefan Dušan in 1355, the local feudal lords reasserted their power in Albania, the Thopia and Dukagjini families ruling in the north, while the Muzaka and Shpata ruled in
the south. The first count of Albania of Albanian origin appears to have been
a knight named Casnesio, son of Blada Blavist (Blevisti), who is recorded as
count in 1304. His son Guglielmo was marshal of Albania in 1304, was awarded
the Byzantine title protosébastos, and succeeded as Count of Albania in
1318. On his death in 1328, Guglielmo's territories fell to the Thopia family,
who controlled the area between Mati and Skhumbi in central Albania, in the hinterland of Dürras, based at Matija. Tanish Thopia's position as Lord of Matija
was confirmed by Robert King of Naples [Anjou-Capet] in April 1338. Andrea Thopia’s son Karlo played a leading role in the coaIition which defeated Nikephoros [II]
Angelos Orsini, Despot of Epirus, at the battle of Achelaos in 1358. Karlo
captured the fortress of Kroja and occupied Dürres and Elbasan. At the height
of his power, his territory comprised Matija, Kroja, Petrella and Elbasan, and
the area around Skutari. In 1366, he became a citizen of the republic of Venice.

The Kastriota family became the dominant force in the
coastal areas of Albania in the late 14th century. Gjon Kastriota was Lord of
Matija and Dibra. In 1407, he was recorded as “dominus satis potens in
partibus Albaniæ” and in 1410 as “dominus partium Bosniæ”, as a
vassal of Venice. Gjon Kastriota changed religion depending on his current
masters. From 1407, as an ally of Venice, he was Catholic. After concluding
an alliance with Serbia in 1419, he converted to Orthodoxy. In 1430, he
converted to Islam as the ally and vassal of the Turks. After the Ottomans
confiscated part of his property in 1438, he reconverted to Catholicism and
became a citizen of Venice.

Although the Ottomans defeated the Serbs and Albanians at
the battle of Kosovo 15 Jun 1389, the first Ottoman occupation of Albania did not occur until 1415, and only lasted a short time. Resistance to Ottoman
occupation was led by Gjergj Arianiti, whom Pope Eugene IV took under his
protection in 1433. In 1451, Gjergj Arianiti's eldest daughter, Andronika, married
Gjergj Kastriota, fourth son of Gjon Kastriota, who had converted to Islam in
1430 and adopted the name Iskander-bey. Gjergj Kastriota fought against the
Persians, and was awarded the title "Skender-beg". In 1444, he
became Captain-General of the League of Alessio, formed by all the noble
Albanian families, and was recognised as leader of Albania in 1455 by Gjergj Arianiti. The final Ottoman occupation of Albania began in 1478.

As will be seen below, it has been possible to verify only a
small part of the information about the ruling families of Albania against primary source documentation. Chapter 2 of this document has been reviewed in
detail by Morris Bierbrier, who has made additions where indicated. I am
grateful for his helpful collaboration.

The first Albanian feudal state was declared at Krujë (Kroja)
by the Archon Progon in [1190]. Progon’s older son, Gjin Progonović was Lord
of Krujë and Elbasan from [1200] to [1208]. The independent state of Albania founded by Progon lasted until the middle of the 13th century, after which the
country relapsed into disunity. The primary sources which confirm the
parentage and marriages of the members of this family have not yet been
identified, unless otherwise stated below.

1.PROGON . He gained possession of
the castle at Krujë and the territory around it[2].
m ---. The name of Progon's wife is not
known. Progon & his wife had two children:

a)GJIN Progonović (-[1208] or
after). Lord of Krujë and Elbasan from [1200] to [1208]. m ---. The name of Gjin's wife is not known.
Gjin & his wife had one child:

i)daughter (-before 1216). m as
his first wife, GRGUR Kamonas, son of
---. Sébastos. Lord of Krujë. Archon of Krujë and Elbasan.

b)DIMITRIJE Progonović (-1215). Lord of Krujë by 1208[3]. His territory
was conquered in [1214/15] by Mikhael Komnenos Doukas Lord of Epirus[4]. m as her first husband, KOMINIA
of Serbia, daughter of STEFAN Grand Župan of Serbia & his first wife Evdokia Komnene Angelina. She married secondly ([1216]) as his second
wife, Grgur Kamonas Archon of Krujë and Elbasan. Dimitrije & his wife had one child:

The 1204 treaty, which projected
the division of the Byzantine empire between Venice and the Crusaders,
allocated Etolia, Acarnania, Epirus, Zante, Kefalonia, Leukadia and Corfu (to
the south and west of Greece) to the Venetians. However, their resources were insufficient
to govern these and the other diverse territories which had been allocated to
them. As far as the islands and territories to the west were concerned, they
abandoned the Ionian islands to the French conquerors, while Corfu was left to
Mikhael Angelos Komnenos Dukas Lord of Epirus[5].
Out of all the territories in western Greece, the republic of Venice established direct rule only in Durazzo (Dürres, in present-day Albania).

Mikhael Angelos, illegitimate son
of Ioannes Doukas Angelos who had been Byzantine governor of Epirus, joined
Bonifazio Marchese di Monferrato, newly installed as king of Thessaloniki, in
the latter's conquest of Thessaly in 1204. Mikhael obtained the government of
territories in Epirus and expanded his control northwards to the outskirts of
Durazzo and southwards to Naupaktos on the Gulf of Corinth, establishing
himself as Lord of Epirus. Mikhael recognised Venetian overlordship in
1210, but in 1213 captured Durazzo from Venice in violation of his alliance.
In 1214, he captured Corfu, also from Venice, and moved northwards to conquer
Krüje and Shkodra in northern Albania. After Mikhael was murdered in [1215],
his legitimate half-brother Theodoros seized Epirus and exiled Mikhael´s young
son, Mikhael. Mikhael [II] returned to Epirus after Bulgaria defeated
Theodoros in 1230 and established himself as Lord of Epirus at Arta in [1231].
He was awarded the title despot, probably by his uncle Manuel titular emperor
of Thessaloniki, in the 1230s. Numerous secondary sources thereafter refer to
the “despotate” of Epirus, which appears inappropriate given that “despot” was
a title bestowed on a person not in relation to the territory ruled by that
person. By 1236 Mikhael [II] had expanded his authority over the whole of
Epirus and Corfu, and when his uncle died in 1241 occupied the latter's
territories in Thessaly. Although Mikhael [II] lost much of his Albanian and
Macedonian territories, including Durazzo, to Emperor Ioannes III Batatzes in the 1250s, he expelled the Nikaians by 1260. When Mikhael [II] died, his lands
were divided between his son Nikephoros (who inherited Epirus) and his illegitimate son Ioannes (who took Thessaly).

After the death in 1318 of Thomas
Lord of Epirus, his widow married Nikolaos Orsini Count of Kefalonia who took
control of Epirus which passed to Ioannes, brother of Nikolaos, (see Part B).
The descendants of Ioannes ruled Epirus until the late 1350s, after the
territory was controlled by the various Albanian families which are set out in
Chapter 3 of the present document.

IOANNES Doukas Angelos,
son of KONSTANTINOS Angelos & his wife Theodora Komnene ([1120/30]-[1200]). His birth date is estimated from the estimated
marriage date of his parents, which means that he must have already been an old
man when appointed sébastokrator in 1186. The record
of the synod of 2 Mar 1166 records the presence of “...patruele...regis nato
ex...patruo...regis, pansebasto...domino Constantino Angelo, domino...Joanne
Duca; fratre eiusdem...nepote...regis domino Andronico Duca...”[6].
The record of the synod of 1166 records the presence of “...patruelibus...nostri
regis filiis...patrui...eius pansebasti...domini Constantini Angeli, domino
Joanne, domino Alexio, domino Andronico, domino Isaacio...”[7].
Niketas Choniates names "Angeli Constantini duo filii Iohannes et
Andronicus...Macroducas Constantinus et Lapartas Andronicus" among
those who witnessed the defeat at Myriokephalon, dated to 17 Sep 1176[8]. The record of
the synod in Sep 1191 records “Jean Doukas sebastocrator...”, identified
by Stiernon as the son of Konstantinos Angelos and his wife Theodora Komnene[9].
He claimed the imperial throne in 1199. Governor of Epirus and Thessaly[10].

m
---. The name of Ioannes's wife is not known. According to Europäische Stammtafeln[11],
Ioannes married twice, both his wives possibly being named Zoe. The source for Ioannes's wife being named Zoe goes back to an author in 1643 but no
further[12].
The speculation concerning his two marriages may result from the apparent
chronological anomaly of his son Theodoros being born when his father must have
been in his fifties or sixties. Sturdza shows only one marriage, to Zoe Doukas,
daughter of Konstantinos Doukas Makrodoukas & his wife Anna Komnene[13], but there
appears to be no proof that this person ever existed. If Ioannes was married
twice, and if the marriage to Zoe Doukas is correct and her parentage as stated
by Sturdza, it is likely that she was his second wife and mother of Theodoros
as her own mother would have been born in [1134/44]. There remains the anomaly
of the estimated birth date of Ioannes's son Theodoros, which does indeed
suggest that Ioannes may have been married twice.

3.THEODOROS Komnenos Doukas Angelos
([1180]-in prison in Nikaia shortly after 1253).
Georgius Akropolites states that "Michaeli…quem Epire imperasse"
had "tres…fratres, Constantinus, Theodorus and Manuel", that
Theodoros lived with Theodoros Lascaris Emperor in Nikaia, and that he
succeeded in Epirus after the murder of his half-brother Mikhael[17]. Twin with his
sister ---. If his birth date is correct as shown here, it is likely that he
was considerably younger than his brothers Isaakios and Alexios, which suggests
that he may have been born from a later marriage. Nicetas reports that,
immediately after the flight of Emperor Alexios V Doukas Murzuphlos and before
the arrival of the crusading army (presumably 13 Apr 1204), there were two
candidates for emperor "a pair of young men … Doukas and Laskaris and
the name of both was that of the champion
[αρχηγός] of the faith". The
latter expression has been interpreted as referring to
"Konstantinos", which would indicate that Konstantinos Laskaris
rather than his brother Theodoros was chosen, although another otherwise less
reliable manuscript refers to the first name "Theodoros"[18]. The only "Konstantinos Doukas" at the time appears to have been Theodoros's brother, but it is
unclear why a younger brother should have been proposed as candidate for the
throne. Despite the interpretation referred to above, it appears more probable
that Theodoros Komnenos Doukas Angelos was one of the chosen candidates and Theodoros Laskaris the other. Theodoros Komnenos Doukas Angelos fled to Nikaia after the capture
of Constantinople by the Fourth Crusade in 1204, but went to Epirus to help his illegitimate half-brother in 1205[19].
Theodoros succeeded Leon Sgouros as Lord of Corinth, Navplion and Argos in 1208[20]. He was guardian
for his nephew Mikhael, after the death of his illegitimate half-brother in
1215, but banished him to Peloponnesos and installed himself as Lord of
Epirus. He made peace with Serbia in [1216], confirmed by his brother's
marriage to the sister of Grand Župan Stefan and, later, by his own daughter's
marriage to Stefan's son Radoslav[21].
In 1216, he captured Pierre de Courtenay, recently crowned by the Pope as
emperor of Constantinople, who was passing through Epirus on his way to Constantinople having been persuaded by the Venetians to help them recapture Durazzo[22]. Between 1215
and 1217, Theodoros conquered most of Macedonia, and then pressed into Thessaly. He attacked the Latin kingdom of Thessaloniki, which had been weakened after
many of its knights had returned to the west, and entered the city in Dec 1224[23], declaring
himself despot and autokrator in the kingdom of Thessaloniki. He was crowned THEODOROS I
Emperor of the Romans at Arta in [1225] by Demetrios Bishop of Ohrid,
in direct challenge to the right of the emperors of Nikaia to assume the
imperial mantle of Byzantium.

4.daughter ([1180]-). Twin
with her brother Theodoros. The primary source which confirms her parentage
has not yet been identified.

5.KONSTANTINOS Komnenos Doukas Angelos (-after 1242). Georgius Akropolites states that "Michaeli…quem
Epire imperasse" had "tres…fratres, Constantinus, Theodorus
and Manuel"[24].
According to Europäische Stammtafeln[25], he claimed the
Byzantine throne 12 Apr 1204. However, as pointed out above under his brother
Theodoros, the validity of this statement appears to depend on an
interpretation of an unclear statement in Niketas Choniates and is unlikely to
be correct. Konstantinos was awarded the title despot by his brother
after the latter's coronation as emperor in [1225][26]. He was
installed by his brother as Governor of Aetolia and Acarmania in 1227/28[27].

6.MANUEL
Angelos Doukas Komnenos (-1241). Georgius Akropolites states that "Michaeli…quem Epire imperasse" had "tres…fratres,
Constantinus, Theodorus and Manuel"[28].
The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines names "Theodorus
Thessalonice rex cecatus…frater eius Manuel" when recording his flight
in 1235 to "dominum Gaufridum" [Prince of Achaia][29]. Lord of
Pharsale, Larissa and Platámona. Manuel was awarded the title despot by
his brother after the latter's coronation as emperor in [1225][30]. After his
brother Theodoros was captured by the Bulgarians at Klokotniça in Apr 1230, Manuel succeeded as regent of the kingdom of Thessaloniki, but was controlled by his
father-in-law Tsar Ivan Asen[31].
Manuel assumed the title Emperor in Thessaloniki, although his territory was by then confined to the town of Thessaloniki
itself[32].
His brother Theodoros deposed Manuel after being released from Bulgaria in 1237, and installed his own son in his place. Manuel escaped to Nikaia to seek
help for his restoration. He returned to Greece in 1239, landed in Thessaly and conquered Larissa. He reached a settlement with his brother Theodoros, who
accepted him as Lord of Thessaly[33].
m firstly ([1216]) EFIMIJA of Serbia,
daughter of STEFAN NEMANJA Grand Župan of Serbia & his wife Ana --- (-[1216/25]). This marriage was arranged as part of the settlement of Epirus's war with Serbia[34].
m secondly ([1225], repudiated [1238]) MARIJA of Bulgaria,
daughter of IVAN ASEN II Tsar of the Bulgarians & his first wife Anna --- (before 1221-). Georgius Akropolites records that "rege Ioanne Asane…filia Maria ex pellice" married "Theodorus Comnenus…fratri suo Manueli"[35]. Ephræmius
records the marriage of "Asane Ioanne…Mariam…notham
filiam" and "Manueli"[36]. This marriage
was arranged as part of the alliance with the Bulgarians agreed by Manuel's brother Theodoros[37].
Georgius Akropolites records that "fratrem Manuelem" sent back
"coniugem ad Asanam patrem", dated from the context to after
her father's third marriage[38].

7.daughter . The primary
source which confirms her parentage and marriage has not yet been identified.
It is not known whether this daughter was legitimate or illegitimate, but the
chronology of her descendants is consistent with her having been born around
the same time as her brother Theodoros. m
--- Kantakouzenos,
son of ---.

8.[ANNA
Komnene. The name of Count Maio [II]'s wife is attested as Anna. An unnamed count of Kefalonia is described as
"sororius" of Theodoros Angelos, Emperor at Thessaloniki, but
it is not known whether this refers to Maio [II][39]. If it does, his
wife may have been the daughter of Ioannes Komnenos Angelos. This is the
solution proposed by Sturdza[40],
who says that her brother Theodoros gave her husband Corfu as dowry on his
marriage. However, if it is correct that the marriage took place shortly
before 1228, there appear to be chronological difficulties with this proposed
parentage. Europäische Stammtafeln[41] suggests that Theodora, daughter of Mikhael [I]
Komnenos Doukas Angelos Lord of Epirus was the same person as Anna, wife of Count Maio [II]. The basis for this speculation is not known, although it would
appear to be more acceptable from a chronological point of view. It is always
possible that "sororius" is an error in the source referred to
above. Another possibility is that the Count of Kefalonia in question was Maio
[I] and that the daughter of Ioannes Angelos was his [first/second] wife who is
unrecorded elsewhere. If this is correct, there would be no basis for stating
that her name was Anna. m (before 1228)
MAIO [II] Orsini Count of Kefalonia,
son of [MAIO Orsini Count of Kefalonia & his wife --- Margaritone]
(-[1259/64]).]

MIKHAEL Angelos, illegitimate son of
IOANNES Doukas Angelos & his mistress --- (-murdered Berat [1215]). Niketas Choniates names "Michael…Iohannis sebastocratoris nothus filius" when recording that Emperor Alexios III sent him as missus to "Mylassenæ province"[43].
The Historia de Expeditione Friderici records that Emperor Isaakios II
sent “domnum Michaelem filium patrui sui sevostratoris Ioannis Duca et
domnum Michaelem filium alterius patrui eius domni Alexii Angeli et Manuel
consobrinum imperii eius filium stratovasilum et domnum Alexium filium
consobrini eius protostratoris Manuel Camizi et tertium Manuel sevaston
Monomachii filium Uriennii Ioseph et pansevaston acolithon Eumathium Philocalim”
as hostages to Emperor Friedrich I, dated to Feb 1190[44]. During his
early career he served different masters depending on who was in the
ascendant. He served Emperor Alexios III, who created him sébastos, dux
and anagraphaos at Mylasa and Melanudion, until 1195 and from 1201.
After attempting rebellion against the emperor, Mikhael defected to the Seljuk
Sultan by whom he was appointed governor in the regions of the Meander[45]. An act dated
Jan [1204] names “o theios tis...basileias...o Komnenos Mikhael o Doukas,
tin doukikin arkhin tou thematou Molassis kai Melanoudiou”[46]. Mikhael joined
Bonifazio Marchese di Monferrato, newly installed as king of Thessaloniki, in
the latter's conquest of Thessaly in 1204. According to the Chronicle of
Geoffrey of Villehardouin, a "Greek named Michaelis who had come from
Constantinople with the marquis" married "the daughter of a
wealthy Greek who held his land from the emperor" at Arta, and "after
seizing that land for himself, began to make war on the marquis"[47]. According to
the life of St Theodora Petraliphina of Arta, written at the end of the 13th
century, Mikhael helped suppress the rebellion in the theme of Nikopolis
against its Governor Senacherim and, after the latter's murder, married his
widow as his second wife[48].
Whichever version is correct, Mikhael obtained the government of territories in
Epirus and expanded his control northwards to the outskirts of Durazzo and
southwards to Naupaktos on the Gulf of Corinth, establishing himself as Lord
of Epirus. According to Fine, no contemporary sources indicate that
Mikhael was installed as despot (a title which was granted by an
emperor)[49].
He added "Komnenos" and "Doukas" to his name to increase
his authority[50].
He was opposed by Venice which had been assigned Epirus under the treaty agreed
with the crusading armies in March 1204 before the capture of Constantinople,
but sought protection from the papacy in 1207, declaring himself willing to
discuss church union[51].
He made a treaty with the Latin Empire of Constantinople in 1209, sealed by the
marriage of his oldest daughter, although this did not prevent Mikhael from
attacking Thessaloniki in 1210 for which he was excommunicated by Pope Innocent III. He was forced to retreat by Henri Latin Emperor of Constantinople. On 20
Jun 1210, Mikhael concluded an alliance with Venice, recognising Venetian
overlordship and granting the Venetians the right to free trade in Epirus. He invaded Thessaly in 1212, capturing Larissa. In 1213, Mikhael captured Durazzo
from Venice in violation of his alliance. In 1214, he captured Corfu, also
from Venice, and moved northwards to conquer Krüje and Shkodra in northern Albania. He was on campaign against Serbia in northern Albania when he was murdered by a
servant[52].

m
firstly --- Melissene,
daughter of --- Melissenos. This marriage is recorded in the life of St Theodora Petraliphina of Arta, written at the end of the 13th century[53].

m
secondly (1204) as her second husband, his first wife's cousin, --- Melissene, widow of SENACHERIMstrategos of the theme of Nikopolis, daughter of --- Melissenos &
his wife ---. This second marriage is recorded in the life of St Theodora Petraliphina of Arta, written at the end of the 13th century[54]. According to
the Chronicle of Geoffrey of Villehardouin, a "Greek named Michaelis
who had come from Constantinople with the marquis" married "the
daughter of a wealthy Greek who held his land from the emperor" at
Arta, and "after seizing that land for himself, began to make war on
the marquis"[55].
From the context, this marriage must be dated to mid-1204 and so presumably
refers to Mikhael's second marriage. The primary source which identifies her
relationship with her second husband's first wife and names her first husband
has not yet been identified.

Mistress
(1): (before 1205) ---. The name of Ioannes's mistress is not
known. She was banished to Peloponnesos with her son by the latter's
half-brother Theodoros[56].

Mikhael Komnenos Doukas Angelos & his [first] wife
had one child:

1.daughter. The primary source which
confirms her parentage and marriage has not yet been identified. Her marriage,
to the younger brother of the late Baudouin I Latin Emperor of Constantinople, was arranged by her father to seal his alliance with the Latin Empire[57]. It is assumed
that she was the daughter of Mikhael's first marriage in view of the date of
her betrothal, although it is not impossible that she was still an infant at
the time. m (betrothed [Jun/Jul] 1209) EUSTACHE
de Flandre, son of BAUDOUIN V Comte de Hainaut [BAUDOUIN VIII
Count of Flanders] & his wife Marguerite I Ctss of Flanders (-after 1217).

2.THEODORA Komnene.
Her betrothal is shown in Europäische Stammtafeln[58] but the primary
source on which this is based has not yet been identified The betrothal was
terminated because of the church's objections[59].
Europäische Stammtafeln[60]
suggests that Theodora was the same person as Anna
Komnene Angelina, possible wife of Maio [II] Count of Kefalonia. The
basis for this speculation is not known. As noted above, it would be
chronologically more acceptable for Maio's wife to have been the daughter of
Mikhael [I] Lord of Epirus than his half-sister. However, the only source as
yet identified points the other way. Betrothed
(before 1217) to --- of Serbia, son of STEFAN Grand Župan of Serbia. Her betrothed has not been identified, although he may have been Stefan
Radoslav of Serbia, son of Stefan Grand Župan of Serbia &
his first wife Evdokia Komnene Angelina ([1191/1201]-after 1235), who succeeded
his father in [1224/27] as Radoslav
"Krapalo" King of Serbia. If
this is correct, the betrothal would have been agreed at the same time as that
of Theodora's sister Maria to Radoslav's father.

Mikhael Komnenos Doukas Angelos & his second wife had two children:

3.MARIA
Komnene. Her
first betrothal is shown in Europäische Stammtafeln[61] but the primary
source on which this is based has not yet been identified. Georgius Akropolites names "Chabaronem Constantinum" as husband of "Michaele
despota…sororis Mariæ", stating that she had previously been married
to "viro Sphrantzæ cognomine"[62].
Betrothed (before 1217) to STEFAN Grand Župan of
Serbia, son of STEFAN NEMANJA Grand Župan of Serbia & his wife Ana --- (-24 Sep 1227), who in [1217] was crowned STEFAN
"Prvovenčani/the First-Crowned" King[Kralj] of Serbia. m firstly --- Sphrantzes, son of ---. m secondlyKONSTANTINOS
Chabaron, son of ---. Maria & her [first/second] husband had
one child:

5.KONSTANTINOS Komnenos Doukas Angelos ([1205]-[1267/68]). The primary source which confirms his
parentage has not yet been identified. He was known as MIKHAEL after the death of his father. Lord
of Epirus.

MIKHAEL [KONSTANTINOS] Komnenos Doukas Angelos,
illegitimate son of MIKHAEL Komnenos Doukas [Angelos] Lord of Epirus & his mistress --- ([1205]-[1267/68]). The primary
source which confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. Baptised as KONSTANTINOS, he was known as MIKHAEL after the death of his father, whom he
succeeded in [1215] as Lord of Epirus, under the guardianship of his
uncle Theodoros who exiled him with his mother to Peloponnesos and seized the
lordship[64].
He returned to Epirus after Bulgaria defeated Theodoros at Klokotniça in 1230,
and installed himself at Arta as Lord of Epirus in [1231][65]. He was awarded
the title despot, probably by his uncle Manuel titular emperor of Thessaloniki, in the 1230s. By 1236 he had expanded his authority over the whole of Epirus, as well as Corfu, acting as an independent prince free from the control of his uncle[66]. On the death of
his uncle Manuel in 1241, he occupied the latter's territories in Thessaly[67]. He concluded a
treaty with Emperor Ioannes III Batatzes, sealed by his son's betrothal to the
emperor's granddaughter, but broke the treaty and attacked Thessaloniki in
1251. He made peace in 1253, losing much of his Albanian and Macedonian
territories, although his title of despot was confirmed[68]. Forced to
surrender Durazzo to Nikaia in 1256 in order to secure the release of his wife,
he was held hostage after attending their son's marriage. Mikhael launched a
military campaign to regain his lost Albanian and Macedonian lands. He halted
his attack on Thessaloniki after Manfredo King of Sicily occupied Corfu, Durazzo and other Albanian towns, but made peace with King Manfredo in return for
support against Nikaia, the alliance being confirmed by the king's marriage to
Mikhael's daughter Helena, whose dowry consisted of the territories which
Manfredo had already conquered[69].
Allied with King Manfredo and Guillaume de Villehardouin Prince of Achaia, he
attacked Nikaia in 1259 but was defeated in the valley of Pelagonia in Autumn
1259, largely due to disunity among the allies[70].
Nikaia overran Epirus, but Mikhael regrouped with his illegitimate son Ioannes
and expelled the Nikaians by 1260[71].
Mikhael rebelled again in 1264, but was obliged to swear allegiance to Emperor Mikhael VIII, confirmed by the marriage of his son Nikephoros to the emperor's niece.
On his death, Mikhael's lands were divided between his son Nikephoros (who
inherited Epirus) and his illegitimate son Ioannes (who took Thessaly)[72].

m
([1230], repudiated Easter [1252/56]) THEODORA
Doukaina Petraloiphaina Basilissa, daughter of IOANNES
Petraloiphas & his wife Helena --- (bur Arta). Ephræmius names
"Theodora Michaelis coniux" when recording that
she attended the marriage of her son Nikephoros[73]. Her parentage
is indicated by Georgius Akropolites who names "Petraliphas…uxoris
Michaelis frater"[74].
She was banished by her husband in favour of his mistress, but was later
restored to favour[75].
After attending her son's marriage to the daughter of Theodoros II Emperor in
Nikaia in 1256, she was held hostage and only released after her husband
surrendered Durazzo to Nikaia[76].
She became a nun, known as Holy Theodora of Arta, and was the subject of a
hagiography by the 13th century monk Job (Melias Iasites)[77].

Mistress
(1): GANGRENE, daughter of
---. The primary source which confirms her relationship with Mikhael has not
yet been identified.

Mistress
(2): ([1252/56]) ---. Mikhael's mistress for whom he exiled in his
wife in [1252/56][78].
Her name is not known. However, it is clear that she was a different person
from the mother of his three illegitimate children shown below, who must have
been born much earlier than the date Mikhael repudiated his wife.

Mikhael [II] Komnenos Doukas Angelos & his wife had six children:

1.EVDOKIA . The primary source which confirms her parentage has not yet
been identified.

2.IOANNES Doukas (-[1281/89]). Pachymeres records that "Michaeli…despotæ"
had three legitimate sons, of whom "Ioannes" was "in
the hands and power of the emperor"[79].
Imprisoned and blinded in 1280. He committed suicide. m ([1262]) --- Tornikaine,
daughter of KONSTANTINOS Komnenos Tornikios sébastokrator and Kephale of
Thessaloniki, son of ---. Pachymeres records the marriage of "Tornicii
filiam secundogenitam" and "Ioanni filio despotæ Occidentis"[80]. The same source
confirms this information in a later passage when it records that "Michaeli…despotæ…filii…quorum
Ioannes" became "generum…sebastocratoris Tornicii"[81].

3.NIKEPHOROS Doukas Komnenos ([1240]-[3 Sep 1296/25 Jul 1298]). Pachymeres
records that "Michaeli…despotæ" had three legitimate sons, of
whom "Nicephorus et Demetrius"[82]. He succeeded
his father as Lord of Epirus in [1267/68].

4.DEMETRIOS Doukas Komnenos Angelos (-after 13 Mar 1304). Pachymeres
records that "Michaeli…despotæ" had three legitimate sons, of
whom "Nicephorus et Demetrius"[83]. He adopted the
name MIKHAEL, and was known as "Kutrules"
after the death of his father. Emperor Mikhael VIII, hoping to use Mikhael
against his brother Nikephoros, allied himself with Charles I King of Sicily
[Anjou-Capet], awarded Mikhael the title despot in 1278 and married him
to his daughter[84].
Pachymeres records that "Michaelis despotæ" was accused of
treason and imprisoned, dated to 13 Mar 1304[85].
m firstly (Dispensation Nov 1278) ANNA Komnene
Palaiologina, daughter of Emperor MIKHAEL VIII & his wife Theodora Doukaina Komnene Palaiologina Batatzaina (1260-[1299/1300]). Ioannes Kantakuzenus
records that "Michaeli duci" married "Annam sororem Andronici senioris"[86].
A synodal decision dated Nov 1278 granted dispensation for the marriage “résultant
de leur sixième degré d´affinité”[87].
m secondly (1301) as her second husband,
ANA of Bulgaria,
repudiated wife of STEFAN UROŠ II
MILUTIN King of Serbia, daughter of GEORGI I Tsar of the Bulgarians
& his first wife Maria ---. Pachymeres records that "Sphentisthlabus
Bulgarorum" arranged the marriage of "repudiatæ a crale Serbiæ
suæ sororis, Terteris filiæ" and "Michaelem despotam"[88]. Mikhael
"Kutrules" & his first wife had [three] children:

ii)daughter. The primary source which confirms her
parentage and marriage has not yet been identified. mIOANNES Angelos,
son of --- (-[1348/50]). Pinkernes. Kephale of Kastoria, Epirus and Megalovlachia.

iii)THEODORA Palaiologina (-after Dec
1376). Theodora Palaiologina
Philanthropena “theia de l´empereur”, acting “en qualité de curatrice
[epitropos] des enfants de son neveu Alexios Palaiologos, mort récemment au
combat, qu´elle avait élevé comme son propre fils, car le père d´Alexios, le
frère de Theodora, était décédé jeune”, donated the village of “Saint-Georges
dit Mperzitzikon, situé près de Serrès”, which Alexios had received “de
son grand-père, le père de Theodora, dit aussi pappos de l´empereur
régnant” [Andronikos IV], to the monastery of Philotheou by charter dated
Dec 1376, signed by “Mikhael Astras, Theodoros Kantakouzenos, Georgios
Gabrielopoulos, Doukas Malesenos, Andronikos Tarchaneiotes Ap---das, Andronikos
Oinaiotes, Komnenos Branas”[109].
Estangüi Gómez discusses the extended family relationships which are indicated
by the terms “theia” (strictly, aunt) and “pappos” (strictly,
grandfather or ancestor) as used in this document, illustrated by similar
examples found in other contemporary documentation[110]. m --- Philanthropenos,
son of ---. Estangüi Gómez states that, while her name indicates that Theodora
married “un membre de la famille Philanthropenos”, his identification “demeure
incertaine”, although he notes a suggestion that he was megas
stratopedarchesMikhael
Philanthropenos, son of ---, who is recorded as “exadelphos de
l´empereur Jean V et propriétaire foncier dans la région de Thessalonique en
décembre 1350” which could provide an alternative explanation for Theodora
being described as “theia” of Emperor Andronikos IV[111]. Estangüi Gómez
also comments that her husband “ait pu appartenir à la branche des
Philanthropenoi kaisares de Thessalie”, naming “Alexios Angelos
Philanthropenos [1378-1389]” and “Manoul Angelos Philanthropenos
[1392-1394]” although he states that neither of these individuals was
recorded as claiming a family relationship with the imperial family[112].

iv)[ANNA Palaiologina (-after Jan 1400). A synodal
decision dated Jan 1400 restored to Anna Palaiologina “theia de l´empereur”
her dower which “ses fils les Palaiologi” had claimed as property of “leur
père défunt Komnenos Branas”, and referring to property which her husband
had granted to “Astras” who had married their eldest daughter[113]. Estangüi Gómez
comments that “la confrontation entre l´acte de 1376 [see below under
Anna´s husband] et ce document patriarcal...rend très probable que cette
Anna ait été une parente proche de Théodora [Palaiologina Philanthropena]”
her dower which “ses fils les Palaiologi” had claimed as property of “leur
père défunt Komnenos Branas” and in a genealogical table shows her as the
possible sister of Theodora´s nephew, Alexios Palaiologos[114]. However,
Anna´s son-in-law Mikhael Astras also signed the charter dated Dec 1376,
suggesting that he was already a member of Theodora´s family before that date.
If that is correct, from a chronological point of view his wife is unlikely to
have been the niece of Alexios Palaiologos, whose birth is dated to [1342/43].
It is more likely, therefore, that Anna was Theodora´s younger sister: the
reference to both as “theia” of the emperor also suggests that they bore
the same family relationship to him. Estangüi Gómez discusses the possible
origin of Anna´s husband and provides some details of the couple´s children[115]. mKOMNENOS Branas,
son of ---. “Mikhael Astras, Theodoros Kantakouzenos, Georgios Gabrielopoulos,
Doukas Malesenos, Andronikos Tarchaneiotes Ap---das, Andronikos Oinaiotes,
Komnenos Branas” signed the charter dated Dec 1376 under which Theodora
Palaiologina Philanthropena “theia de l´empereur” donated property to
the monastery of Philotheou[116].]

c)[daughter . Alexios Raul's wife is recorded as the daughter of "Despot Mikhael Angelos". It
appears more likely from a chronological point of view that she was the
daughter of Mikhael "Kutrules", although she would presumably have
been very young at the time of the marriage. It is improbable that she was the
daughter of Mikhael [II] Lord of Epirus, whose children would have been born in
the range [1235/45]. m as his second
wife, ALEXIOS Raul,
son of [IOANNES Komnenos Doukas Angelos Petraliphas Raul & his wife Theodora Palaiologina Komnene Kantakouzene] (-1303).]

5.HELENA Doukaina Angelina ([1242]-Lucera Jul 1271). Georgius Phrantzes names "Manfredum Siculorum rege et principem
Peloponnesi et Achaiæ" as the two sons-in-law of "Aetolorum et
Epirotarum despota Michaele"[117].
Georgius Akropolites records the marriage of "Michaelis…filiam Helenam"
and "Manfredo Siciliæ regi"[118]. The Historia
Sicula of Bartolomeo di Neocastro records that "Manfredum"
married "Helenam filiam despoti regis Thessalie" after the
death of his first wife[119].
Her marriage was arranged as part of her father's peace treaty with Manfredo
King of Sicily in 1258, her dowry of Corfu, Durazzo, Valona and Berat being the
territories which King Manfredo had already conquered[120]. The Anonymous
Chronicle of Trano records that "filia de lu Despotu d´Epiru…Alena"
arrived 2 Jun 1259 at Trani where she married "Re Manfridu"[121]. After her
husband's defeat, she was captured trying to escape to Greece and imprisoned at Naples. She died in prison. m
(betrothed before Feb 1258, Trani 2 Jun 1259) as his second wife, MANFREDO King of
Sicily, illegitimate son of Emperor FRIEDRICH II & his
mistress Bianca Lancia (Venosa 1232-killed in battle Benevento 26 Feb 1266).

6.ANNA KomnenoDoukaina (-4 Jan 1286). Georgius Akropolites records the marriage of "Michaelis…filia sua Anna" and
"Achaiæ principe"[122].
Georgius Phrantzes names "Manfredum Siculorum rege et
principem Peloponnesi et Achaiæ" as the two sons-in-law of "Aetolorum
et Epirotarum despota Michaele"[123].
The Livre de la Conqueste de la Morée records the marriage of “le
prince Guillerme” and “la suer dou despot”[124]. The Istoria
of Marino Sanudo Torsello records that "il principe Guglielmo"
married "Nicephoro…sorella" and that her dowry was "il
castello della Liconia"[125].
She adopted the name AGNES. After her
first husband died, she received the castles of Kalamata and Khlemutsi for life[126]. The Livre
de la Conqueste de la Morée records that, after the death of Prince
Guillaume, “la princesses a feme…suer…de Quir Niccifore” married “le baron
monseignor Nicole de Saint Omer le veillart, li sires de la moitié d´Estives”[127]. The
late 13th century genealogy by Balduinus de Avennis records that "Nicolaum",
son of "Bilas", married "Achayæ principissam"[128]. m firstly ([1258]) as his third wife, GUILLAUME
II de Villehardouin Prince of Achaia, son of GEOFFROY I Prince
of Achaia & his wife [Elisabeth de Chappes] (Kalamata Castle after
[1208]-Kalamata Castle 1 May 1278, bur Andravida, church of St James). m secondly (before 1280) as his second wife, NICOLAS
II de Saint-Omer joint Lord
of Thebes, Bailli of the Principality of Achaia, son of BELA
joint Lord of Thebes & his wife Bonne de la Roche-sur-Oignon [Athens]
co-heiress of Thebes (-1294).

Mikhael [II] Komnenos Doukas Angelos had three
illegitimate children by Mistress (1):

8.THEODOROS
KomnenoDoukas (-killed in battle
Verdena [1257/58]). The Istoria of
Marino Sanudo Torsello names "Teodoro" as "Nicephoro…fratel
illegitimo" adding that he was "signor de la Parte, d´Odrich
e…della Blachia"[130].Georgius
Akropolites names "Michael despota…filio suo spurio Theodoro"
when recording that he led his father's forces against Mikhael Palaiologos (the
future Emperor Mikhael VIII), general of Theodoris II Emperor at Nikaia in the
area of Thessaloniki, and that he was killed in battle[131].

NIKEPHOROS Doukas Komnenos, son of
MIKHAEL [II] Komnenos Doukas Angelos Lord of Epirus & his wife Theodora Doukaina Petroliphaina Basilissa ([1240]-[3 Sep 1296/25 Jul 1298]). Pachymeres records that "Michaeli…despotæ"
had three legitimate sons, of whom "Nicephorus et Demetrius"[133]. He was sent to
Nikaia as a hostage by his father in 1252, and awarded the title despot[134]. He led an
Epirote army into Thessaly in 1260 and defeated the Nikaian army at Trikorifi,
where he captured the Nikaian commander Alexios Strategopolos[135]. He succeeded
his father as Lord of Epirus in [1267/68]. He concluded a treaty with
Charles I King of Sicily [Anjou-Capet] in 1276 after the Byzantines captured
Butrinti, which Nikephoros believed was his by right, and accepted Sicilian
suzerainty over Epirus in 1278[136].
His half-brother Ioannes Lord of Thessaly attacked Epirus in [1284/85] in
revenge for the kidnapping of his son, Mikhael, whom Nikephoros and his wife
had tricked into visiting Epirus with the promise of marriage to their daughter[137]. Nikephoros was
dominated by his second wife, who led the pro-Byzantine party in Epirus[138]. Nevertheless,
after the failure of the Byzantine marriage proposal of his daughter Thamar in
[1290], Nikephoros declared war on Byzantium[139].
Byzantium attacked Epirus in [1292], occupied much of the north and besieged
Jannina, having been angered by negotiations for the marriage of Nikephoros's
daughter with the son of Charles II King of Sicily [Anjou-Capet]. The
Byzantines were expelled with the help of Florent de Hainaut Prince of Achaia
and Riccardo Orsini Count of Kefalonia, the marriage of the latter's son with
Nikephoros's daughter being agreed as a reward for his help[140]. Negotiations
for the Angevin marriage were concluded in 1294, when Nikephoros accepted
Sicilian suzerainty and agreed that his future son-in-law would inherit Epirus in place of his son Thomas[141],
although this succession plan appears to have been ignored on Nikephoros's
death. Pachymeres records the death of "despotæ Nicephori, ex
familia…Angelis", stating that he left two children[142].

m
firstly (betrothed 1249, Thessaloniki [17 Sep/23 Oct] 1256) MARIA Doukaina
Laskarina, daughter of THEODOROS II Laskaris [Batatzes] Emperor
in Nikaia & his wife Elena Asanina of Bulgaria (-[1258/59]). Georgius Akropolites records the marriage of "Michaelis…Nicephoro filii sui"
and "imperatoris Theodori filiam Mariam"[143]. Ephræmius
records the marriage of "filius…despotæ [Michaele] Nicephorus"
and "Theodoro…imperatoris filio Mariam"[144]. This marriage
was arranged as part of the peace treaty concluded with Epirus in 1249, but the ceremony did not take place, due to her future father-in-law's hostilities
against Nikaia, until after the latter defeated Bulgaria in 1256 when her
father was once more anxious to contain Epirus's ambitions[145]. Georgius Akropolites records that "Mariam" wife of "defectoris
Michaelis filio Nicephoro" died around the time of her father's death[146]. Pachymeres
records that "Michaeli…despotæ…filii…quorum…Nicephorus" was
"viduus…nuper mortua ipsius coniuge filia Lascaris Augusti",
in a passage dated to [1263/64][147].

m
secondly (Autumn 1264) ANNA Palaiologina Kantakouzene,
daughter of IOANNES Kantakouzenos & his wife Eirene Palaiologina (-after
1313). Pachymeres records that "Michaeli…despotæ…filii…quorum…Nicephorus"
married "tertiam Eulogiæ natarum Annam", in a passage dated to
[1263/64][148].
Pachymeres names "Annæ reginæ [βασίλισσα]
consobrinæ suæ [=imperatoris Andronicis]…ex Eulogiæ natæ patris sui sorore"[149].
This marriage was arranged to confirm the peace negotiated between her uncle Emperor Mikhael VIII and her future father-in-law[150].
The leader of the pro-Byzantine party in Epirus, she dominated her husband[151]. Despina of
Neopatras [1289]. She became regent of Epirus, for her son Thomas, on the death of her husband and immediately reversed her husband's pro-Latin policy, in
particular refusing to implement the transfer of Epirus to her son-in-law
Philippe Principe di Tarento [Anjou-Capet]. Charles II King of Sicily [Anjou-Capet] was unable to enforce the pact relating to his son's inheritance of Epirus in 1304. Epirus was subject to continued attacks by the Lords of Thessaly, cousins
of her late husband, with whom relations remained bad since the kidnapping of
Mikhael of Thessaly in [1283/84]. In 1304, Anna sought support from Emperor Andronikos II, the agreement being confirmed later by the marriage of her son with the
emperor's granddaughter[152].
Pachymeres records that "[βασίλισσα]
Anna, neptis imperatoris" proposed the marriage of "filii
sui Thomæ" and "filia iunioris Augusti Michaelis"[153]. "Domina
Anna…Despina Cumnina Duccissa" is included in the list of Barons
"de Romania" with whom Venice maintained relations in 1313[154].

[Nikephoros & his first wife
had one child:]

1.[daughter (1258-[before 1294]).
There appears to be no evidence for the existence of this person. An unnamed
daughter of Nikephoros & his first wife is shown in Europäische
Stammtafeln[155],
according to which she was later baptised as Catarina and married (presumably
as his second wife) Infante don
Fadrique de Castilla, son of don Fernando III "el Santo" King
of Castile. Szabolcs de Vajay states that Infante Fadrique's alleged marriage
to the daughter of Nikephoros Lord of Epirus "seems apocryphal, perhaps
based on a typical speculation by Pellicer", possibly resulting from
confusion with her half-sister Katarina née Thamar, wife of Philippe Prince of
Tarento[156].
Sturdza does not show a daughter by the first marriage of Nikephoros Lord of Epirus[157].]

Nikephoros & his second wife
had four children:

2.MARIA
Komnene Doukaina.
[She or her sister was offered in marriage in [1283/84] by her parents to her
cousin Mikhael, son of Ioannes Lord of Thessaly, who was kidnapped when he
arrived in Epirus for the wedding and sent to Constantinople where he later
died in prison[158].]
The Livre de la Conqueste de la Morée refers to “la dame dou conte
Jehan” as “le despot…sa fille”, the marriage being dated to [1293]
from the context of a later passage[159].
Her marriage was arranged as a reward for her future father-in-law having
helped her father expel the Byzantines from Epirus in [1292][160]. It is
uncertain whether she was born from her father's first or second marriage. Polemis,
Trapp and other sources indicate that Nikephoros had one daughter by his first
marriage and identify her as Maria, citing various Greek sources[161]. If this
is correct, the chronology seems unlikely for her 1292 marriage, although it is
not impossible. On the other hand, Nicol suggests that Maria was a daughter by her father's second marriage, which appears more likely. It is of
course possible that there were two daughters named Maria, one by the first
marriage who died young and one by the second[162]. “Jehan,
comte palatins, sire de Chephalonie et de Jachint” issued a charter dated 7
Apr 1304 relating to his inheritance in which he names “madame Marie Comnene
nostre comtesse…et leal espose”[163].
m ([1293]) GIOVANNI
Orsini of Kefalonia, son of RICCARDO Orsini Count of Kefalonia
& his first wife --- (-1317). He succeeded his father in 1304 as Count of Kefalonia.

3.THAMAR Angelina Komnene Doukaina
(-1311). Pachymeres names "impubem Thomam
et paulo adultiorem illo puellam Ithamarem" as the two children left
by "despotæ Nicephori, ex familia…Angelis" when he died[164]. Pachymeres
refers to her mother's proposal to betrothe "sua filia Ithamare"
to "Michaeli Augusto iuniori", commenting that
it was opposed by the church because of their "sexto consanguinitatis
grado"[165].
Nicol dates this to [1290], although Pachymeres comments on this proposal after
his report of the death of Thamar's father[166].
Her marriage to the son of Charles II King of Sicily [Anjou-Capet] was proposed
by the anti-Byzantine faction in Epirus, and agreed by her father despite her
mother's objections. Negotiations were finalised after her father agreed to
accept Sicilian suzerainty and recognised her future husband as his successor
in place of his son Thomas. Pachymeres refers to the arrangements for the
marriage of "filiam" to "Philippe Caroli nepote"[167].
Thamar's dowry consisted of the fortresses of Vonitsa, Vrachova, Angelokastron
and Naupaktos[168].
She was forced to renounce her Orthodox religion and adopted the name CATARINA in 1301. Charged (probably falsely)
with adultery with 40 Neapolitan noblemen, she was imprisoned and repudiated by
her husband in 1309[169].
m (by proxy 12 Jul 1294, in person
Aquila, Abruzzi 13 Aug 1294, repudiated 1309) as his first wife, PHILIPPE of
Sicily Principe di Tarento, son of CHARLES II King of Sicily
[Anjou-Capet] & his wife Maria of Hungary ([1278]-Naples 26 Dec 1332).

4.MIKHAEL Doukas Angelos (-before
[1296/98]). Pachymeres names "reginæ Annæ…Michælem…sui filium"[170]. He was a
hostage at Naples in 1291. He presumably died before his father.

5.THOMAS
Komneno Doukas Angelos ([1288/89]-murdered 1318). Pachymeres names "impubem Thomam et paulo
adultiorem illo puellam Ithamarem" as the two children left by "despotæ
Nicephori, ex familia…Angelis" when he died[171]. He was awarded
the title despot in [1290][172].
He succeeded his father as Lord of Epirus in [1296/98], under the
regency of his mother, despite the plan that his brother-in-law Philippe
Principe di Tarento [Anjou-Sicily] would inherit Epirus, which had been agreed
during the negotiations for the latter's marriage with Thomas's sister. Charles II King of Sicily [Anjou-Capet] attempted to enforce this pact in 1304, but was repulsed[173]. "Ser
Thomasius…Despoti Romanie Comninus dux" and "Ser
Thomas…Romanie Dispotus, Princeps Blachie, Archang dominus, Dux Vigenitie,
comes Achilo et Nepanti ac Regalis Castri Ioannine Dominus" are
included in the list of Barons "de Romania" with whom Venice maintained relations in 1313, both entries presumably referring to the same person[174]. After a
dispute with the Byzantine commander in southern Albania, Byzantine forces
attacked Epirus in 1315, raiding as far as Arta, and Thomas was declared a
rebel by Emperor Andronikos II. He turned to Philippe di Tarento for help, but
was murdered shortly after by his nephew Niccoló Orsini Count of Kefalonia who
thereupon assumed power in Epirus and married Thomas's widow[175]. m ([1307]) as her first husband, ANNA Palaiologina,
daughter of co-Emperor MIKHAEL IX & his wife Rita [Maria] of Armenia
(-1321). Pachymeres records that "[βασίλισσα]
Anna, neptis imperatoris" proposed the marriage of "filii
sui Thomæ" and "filia iunioris Augusti Michaelis"[176]. Ioannes Kantakuzenus records the marriage of "Michael imperator…Annam filiarum alteram" and "Thomæ despotæ, Nicephori despotæ filio"[177]. Her marriage
was arranged as part of the agreement reached in 1304 under which Emperor Andronikos II promised support for Epirus against Thessaly[178]. She married,
as her second husband, Nikolaos Angelos Komnenos Orsini Count
of Kefalonia, the murderer of her first husband, who took
control of Epirus after he murdered her first husband.

1.MIKHAEL Doukas Angelos (-before
17 Aug 1304). According to Europäische Stammtafeln[179], he was the same
person as Mikhael, son of Nikephoros Doukas Komnenos Lord of Epirus, but the basis for this is not known. It is not known how he was related to the previous
family, if at all. Pansébastos sébastos. m
firstly ---, daughter of --- Pharmakes sébastos & his
wife ---. m secondlyMARIA Spartena, daughter of DEMETRIOS Spartenos & his wife ---.

1.NIKOLAOS
Orsini, son of GIOVANNI Orsini Count of Kefalonia & his wife
Maria Komnene Doukaina Angelina (-murdered 1323). He succeeded his father in 1317 as Count of Kefalonia. He murdered his maternal
uncle Thomas Lord of Epirus in 1318, married the latter's widow, and installed
himself as Lord of Epirus with his capital at Arta. He converted to the
Greek Orthodox religion, was created despot by Byzantium, and styled
himself "Count Palatine, Despot of Romania". Anxious to wrest
control from the Byzantines, he submitted himself to Venetian suzerainty and
attacked the Greek-held city of Ianina[180].
He was murdered by his brother. m
([1318/19]) as her second husband, ANNA Palaiologina,
widow of THOMAS Komnenodoukas
Angelos Lord of Epirus, daughter of co-Emperor MIKHAEL IX &
his wife Maria [Rita] of Armenia (-1321).

2.IOANNES Orsini
(-murdered Arta 1335). After murdering his
brother in 1323, he succeeded as Lord of Epirus and Count of Kefalonia, converted to the Greek
Orthodox religion and adopted the names "Angelos Komnenos Doukas"[181]. He was deposed
as Count of Kefalonia in 1325 by Jean Conte di Gravina [Anjou-Capet] who stopped
in the island to enforce his suzerainty on his way to Morea to claim the
principality of Achaia[182].
Lord of Janina until 1328. He accepted Byzantine suzerainty over Epirus in 1328, and was granted the title Despot[183].
Lord of Bonditza and Leukas until 1331. He converted to the Greek Orthodox
religion. He was poisoned by his wife[184].
m (1328) as her first husband, ANNA Palaiologina Angelina, daughter of
ANDRONIKOS Palaiologos Angelos & his wife --- Kokala (-after 1355). Ioannes Kantakuzenus names "Annæ…filiæ protovestiarii" as the wife of "Ioannis
despotæ"[185].
Nicephoras Gregoras names "Anna" as wife of "Ioannes…Angelus…Cephalonum
comitis"[186].
She became regent of Epirus for her son in 1335 after poisoning her husband.
She was expelled from Epirus with her son in 1339 by Emperor Andronikos III, who reasserted Byzantine control over the territory[187].
She was in prison in Constantinople 1342-1349. She married secondly (1355) Ioannes Komnenos Asen of
Bulgaria, Serbian despot and Governor of Valona, Kanina and Berat. The
Historia Epiri records that "mater…Thomaidis…eiusque
fratris…Anna regina nostra" married "cuidam ex Bulgaris,
Comneno tyranno, fratri regis Stephani", adding that he ruled "Caninam
et Belgradam"[188].
Ioannes & his wife had three children:

a)NIKEPHOROS [II] Doukas ([1328/29]-murdered summer 1359). Ioannes Kantakuzenus names "Nicephoro"
as the son of "Ioannis despotæ" & his wife, stating that
he was seven years old, in a passage dated to [1336][189]. He succeeded
his father in 1335 as Lord of Epirus and titular Count of Kefalonia. He was expelled from Epirus in 1339 and awarded the title panhypersébastos, but was restored in 1341 and
awarded the title despot by Ioannes Kantakouzenos whom he supported in the
Byzantine civil war[190].
Byzantine Governor of Ainos and the towns on the Hellespont 1351/55. He
invaded Thessaly in 1355, on the death of Preliub the Serbian nominee ruler.
The Historia Epiri records that "Nicephorus dominus, frater
reginæ" expelled his brother-in-law from Epirus [in 1355][191]. He crossed
into Akarnania from where he expelled the Serbian ruler, his brother-in-law Symeon Uroš, and re-established himself in Epirus. The Albanians of Epirus rebelled against him
in 1358 after Nikephoros repudiated his wife. Nikephoros was defeated at the
battle of Acheloos in 1358[192].
Archon of Epirus, and Etolia in Trikkala 1356/58. m
(summer 1342, repudiated [1356/57], restored [1359]) MARIA Kantakouzene,
daughter of Emperor IOANNES VI & his wife Eirene Asanina (-after 1379). Ioannes Kantakuzenus records a betrothal proposal between "Nicephoro", son of
"Ioannis despotæ" & his wife, and "magni domestici
filiam" (referring to the future Emperor Ioannes VI), in a passage dated to [1336], and that they were betrothed in a later passage dated to
[1342][193].
Nicephoras Gregoras records that "sororis [Matthæi]" married
"Conti Cephaleniæ filius"[194]. The Historia
Epiri records that the brother of "Thomaim" married "Cantacuzeni
filia"[195].
After reconquering Epirus, Nikephoros repudiated his wife in order to marry the
sister-in-law of Symeon Uroš, his aim being to placate Serbia. Maria took refuge with her brother Manuel at Mistra[196].
This sister-in-law of Symeon Uroš has not been identified, and presumably the
marriage never took place. Maria became a nun at Constantinople. Nikephoros
[II] & his wife had [one possible child]:

i)[ANTONIOS Kantakouzenos . The primary source which
confirms his parentage has not yet been identified. Monk. He founded the
monastery of Meteora in [1400][197].]

b)daughter (-young). The primary source which confirms her parentage has
not yet been identified.

c)TOMAIDA Komnene Angelina. The Historia Epiri
records the marriage of "Symeonis…ex filia sororis regis Palaeologi"
and "Ioannis tyranni beati filiam…Thomäim"[198]. m (before 1349) SYMEON UROŠ Nemanjić,
son of STEFAN UROŠ III "Dečanski" King of Serbia & his second wife Maria Palaiologina (-[1369/72]). He ruled as Lord of Epirus
from 1349 after its conquest by his half-brother, marrying the daughter of the
previous Despot to consolidate his position[199].
He was expelled from Epirus by Nikephoros [II] ex-Lord of Epirus who regained control in 1355[200].
He had himself proclaimed Tsar of Serbia
at Kastoria in 1356.

This family's lands lay between the Shkumbi and Mati Rivers. They also held Krujë and Dürres[201].
The primary sources which confirm the parentage and marriages of the members of
this family have not yet been identified, unless otherwise stated below.

1.TANUSH [Tanusio] Thopia, son of
--- (-[1359]). The Pope granted him the title Count
and recognised him as holder of the lands between the Mati and Shkumbi Rivers, in central Albania[202].
m ---. The name of Tanush's wife is not
known. Tanush & his wife had one child:

a)ANDREA
Thopia (-executed before 1343).
He abducted his future wife and was executed with her by his father-in-law[203].m
(1338) --- of Sicily,
illegitimate daughter of ROBERT I "le Bon" King of Sicily
[Anjou-Capet] & his mistress --- (-executed before 1343). Andrea & his wife had three children:

i)KAROLUS [Karlo] Thopia (-Jan 1388, bur near Elbasan). He succeeded his paternal grandfather in 1359
as Lord of Matija. He acquired the fortress of Krujë in 1363, and came to
dominate the region around Dürres, although he only acquired the town of Dürres itself in Mar 1368[204].
War broke out with the Balšići of Zeta in 1363, and Djuradj Balšić
was captured in spring 1364. Dubrovnik mediated peace in 1366 and secured his
release[205].
After the death of Blaž Matarango in 1367, Karlo Thopia occupied his lands
beyond the Shkumbi in southern Albania. He enjoyed close relations with Venice, which granted him Venetian citizenship and recognised him as Prince of Albania. He
lost Dürres in 1376 to Louis d'Evreux, recovered it in [1383][206], but lost it
again to Balša Balšić Lord of Zeta in 1385, only to recapture it once more
later the same year[207].
m ([1370]) VOISAVA Balšić, daughter of
BALŠA [I] Lord of Skadar & his wife ---. Karlo & his wife had [five]
children:

(a)GJERGJ (-late 1392).
He succeeded his father, but the family's power declined under his rule,
particularly after his surrender of Durazzo to Venice in 1392[208]. mTODORA Branković,
daughter of BRANKO Mladenović & his wife ---.

(b)ELENA. She
succeeded on the death of her brother as Lady of Krujë. m firstlySer MARCO
Barbarigo, son of ---. Venetian patrician, who ruled his wife's
lands in her name, usually residing in the fortress of Krujë. He accepted
Ottoman suzerainty in return for being allowed to keep Krujë. In 1394 when he
was replaced by Konstantini Balšić (who later married Marco's wife), after
being defeated by Nikola Thopia (Venetian Governor of Dürres) as punishment for
plundering Venetian territory[209].
m secondly as his second wife, KONSTANTINI Balšić
Lord of Kroja, son of DJURADJ Balšić & his wife Todora Dejanović (-executed Durazzo 1402 before 22 Oct).

(e)[NICHETA Thopia (-[4 Jul 1413/6 May 1415]). Lord of Krujë.] m
(before 1394) ---, daughter of COMINUM Shpata. Europäische Stammtafeln[210]
suggests that her father was the same person as Comino Araniti. Nicheta &
his wife had two children:

(1)MARA. After
the death of her husband, she became the mistress of Antonio Giustianiani,
citizen of Venice[211].
1407/1427. m ([27 Jul/16 Aug] 1407]) BALŠA [III]
Stracimirović Balšić, son of DJURADJ [II] Stracimirović Balšić & his wife Jelena Lazarević ([1387]-28 Apr 1421).

(2)JACUBÍ . Europäische Stammtafeln[212] refers to him as
"germanus consanguineus" of Mara.

(f)[TANUSH . Citizen of Dürres.]

(g)[LAZARO . 1417.]

ii)DOMENICUS . Bishop of Durazzo
1359. Archbishop of Zara.

iii)GJORGJ . At Krujë.

1.ANDREA
Thopia . He revolted against his Ottoman overlords in 1432[213].

This family's lands extended from behind Valona towards the
north east to Mokro on the western shore of Lake Ohrid[214]. The primary
sources which confirm the parentage and marriages of the members of this family
have not yet been identified, unless otherwise stated below.

a)GJERGJ Araniti (-after 1456). He
raised a large rebellion among his own tribesmen against the Ottomans in 1433,
which quickly spread throughout Albania from Valona to Skadar and defeated
three major Ottoman attacks between 1433 and 1436. The rebellion was finally
suppressed in 1436[215].
He was established by Venice as Grand Vojvoda between Skadar and Dürres in
1456, at which time his daughter married the son of Stefan Crnojević,
previously appointed Grand Vojvoda in Zeta[216].
m firstlyMARIA
Musaki, daughter of ANDREA Musaki & his wife Ana Zenevesi (-before 1444). A manuscript which records details of the Musaki family notes the
marriage of "signor Arainiti Comnino…signor de Cerminica et de Mochino
e de Spatennia" and "signora Maria [Musachi]"[217]. m secondly (before 1449) as her second husband, PIETRINA Franco, widow of --- Sarmazza from Corfu, daughter of OLIVIERO Franco
Barone di Taurisano & his wife --- (-in Italy after 11 Jul 1489). The name
of Gjergj's wife is not known. Gjergj & his first wife had nine children:

This family's lands lay between the Vijosë and Shkumbi Rivers, and eastwards to the region of Kastoria[231].
The primary sources which confirm the parentage and marriages of the members of
this family have not yet been identified, unless otherwise stated below. Hopf
includes a collection of early manuscripts relating to this family in his
collection Chroniques gréco-romanes inédites ou peu connues[232].

This family's lands lay between the upper Mati and upper Drin Rivers, eastwards to Debar[233].
The primary sources which confirm the parentage and marriages of the members of
this family have not yet been identified, unless otherwise stated below.

1.GJON Kastrioti (-[1437/40]). He accepted Venetian suzerainty and
citizenship in 1413. He held Tirane, and the territory north to the Mati River, by 1415. He submitted to Ottoman suzerainty in 1417[234]. He took
control of the coastal territory between the Mati and Erzen Rivers [1417/20], taking advantage of the decline of the Thopia family after the death in 1415
of Nikola Thopia. mVOISAVA Tripalda, daughter of ---. Gjon &
his wife had nine children:

a)REPOSH (-after 1426). He died as
a monk at the monastery on Mount Sinai.

d)GJERGJ Kastrioti ([1404]-Jan
1468). He converted to Islam soon after
arriving at Adrianople in 1423, adopting the name ISKENDAR,
known as "Skanderbeg". He served the Sultan and became a high
ranking military commander[236].
On his father's death, Sultan Murad II ordered Hasan beg, Ottoman Governor of
Krujë, to take control of all Kastriot property. Skanderbeg revolted in 1443,
deserting the Ottoman army which opposed the western crusaders when they
recaptured Niš. He obtained possession of Krujë by tricking Hasan beg with a
forged instruction from the sultan, and announced his reconversion to
Christianity. He allied himself with the Araniti family, marrying Gjergj Araniti's daughter. He called a congress at Alessio, inviting all the Albanian chiefs,
and was appointed commander of the Albanian armies which defeated the Ottomans
in Jun 1444 and again at Danj in Sep 1448[237].
“Georgius Castriot, dictus Skender beg” sent an envoy to Ragusa “appropinquante Turcarum imperatore” by charter dated [1450][238]. He defeated a
further Ottoman attack in 1456, although in 1457 a large Ottoman army occupied
the plains of Albania up to the borders of Venice's Alassio. After the
Venetians were drawn into the war in 1463, Sultan Mohammed II agreed a peace
treaty signed in Apr 1463, although the peace soon collapsed. After
unsuccessfully besieging Krujë in 1467, the Sultan returned the following year
only to be defeated once more by Skanderbeg[239].
m ([1443/44]) ANDRONIKE Araniti, daughter
of GJERGJ COMINO Araniti & his first wife Maria Musaki. A
manuscript which records details of the Musaki family names "la prima
signora Andronica, la seconda signora Goysava, la terza signora Chiranna, la
quarta signora Helena, la quinta signora Despina, la sesta signora Angelina, la
settima signora Comita, l´ottava signora Caterina" as the eight
daughters of "signor Arainiti Comnino…signor de Cerminica et de Mochino
e de Spatennia" and his wife "signora Maria [Musachi]",
adding that Andronika married "il signor Scanderbego Castrioto…signor
de Dibra e de Matia e de Croya…"[240]. Gjergj
& his wife had one child:

i)GJON Kastrioti (before 1457-after
1495). A manuscript which records
details of the Musaki family names "il signor Giovanni Castrioto…Duca
de Santo Pietro in Galatina" as the son of "il signor
Scanderbego Castrioto…signor de Dibra e de Matia e de Croya…" and his
wife[241].
He succeeded as head of the Albanian league in 1468 on the death of his father,
immediately seeking Venetian protection[242].
Conte di Soleto 1485. Duca di San Pietro in Galatina 1495. mJERINA Palaiologina Branković,
daughter of LAZAR Branković Despot of Serbia & his wife Helena Palaiologina. The Masarelli Vatican manuscript names (in order) Maria, Militzia and Irene as the children of Lazar & his wife, stating that Irene married John son of Scanderbeg and had issue[243].
The manuscript Vaticanus latinus 4789 names “deux filles, Milica et
Maria” as the children of “Lazare”, son of “[le] despote de
Serbie”, and his wife “la fille du despote de Morée, le seigneur Thomas”,
adding that “Maria” married “le fils de Scandarbec”[244]. Theodoros
Spandounes names "Maria…la seconda…Miliza…la terza et ultima Erina"
as the three daughters of "Lazaro Despoto" and his wife,
adding that "Erina" married "Ioanne Castrioto Duca di
Santo Pietro"[245].
A manuscript which records details of the Musaki family records that "il
signor Giovanni Castrioto…Duca de Santo Pietro in Galatina" married
"la signora donna Erina Paliologa…fiiglia del signor Lazaro Despoto de
Servia", and names their surviving children "Don Ferrante
Castrioto…Duca de Santo Petro" and "Donna Maria Castriota"[246].

[156] Szabolcs de Vajay 'From
Alfonso VII to Alfonso X, the first two centuries of the Burgundian dynasty in
Castile and Leon - a prosopographical catalogue in social genealogy,
1100-1300', Studies in Genealogy and Family History in tribute to Charles
Evans, edited Lindsay L Brook (Association for the Promotion of Scholarship
in Genealogy Ltd, Occasional Publication no 2, 1989, Salt Lake City, Utah), p.
387.